kiếu
verb
Hanoi [kiəw˧˦]Huế [kiw˨˩˦]Saigon [kiw˦˥] browser voice
Each syllable carries one of six tones; the mark on the vowel tells you which. How the six tones sound →
kiếu means to refuse; to decline.
Meanings of kiếu in English
Verb
- to refuse, to decline (an invitation, a request, etc.)
- Đi một mình thì kiếu. Tụi bây tự đi mà làm.If I have to go by myself then no thanks. How about you guys go do it yourself?
Historical script (chữ Nôm / Hán)
Before the Latin alphabet (chữ Quốc ngữ) became standard, kiếu could be written as 吿, 告, 哠. Today Vietnamese is written only in the Latin alphabet.
Etymology
Non-Sino-Vietnamese reading of Chinese 告 (SV: cáo), probably with semantic influence from compounds such as cáo từ (“to farewell”), cáo lui (“to take leave”). Compare bảo vs. biểu, đào vs. điều.
Frequently asked questions
What does kiếu mean in English?
kiếu (verb) means "to refuse; to decline".
How do you pronounce kiếu?
IPA: Hanoi [kiəw˧˦]; Saigon [kiw˦˥]. Tones: kiếu — rising tone (sắc).